SUMMARY

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines will develop islands in the South China Sea that it considers part of its territory to make them more habitable for troops, Manila’s military chief Romeo Brawner told reporters on Monday, January 15.

The plans come amid heightened tensions between the Philippines and China, both of whom claim territory in the South China Sea and have traded accusations of aggressive behavior in the strategic waterway.

Apart from the Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin, the Philippines occupies eight other features in the South China Sea, and considers them part of its exclusive economic zone.

“We’d like to improve all the nine, especially the islands we are occupying,” Brawner said after attending a command conference led by President Ferdinand …

Source:https://www.rappler.com/philippines/philippines-develop-islands-south-china-sea/